Raising Turkeys

Poultry

People across the US raise turkeys for home-grown holiday meat, for selling to local customers, and simply for the enjoyment of keeping a large, personable bird. They suit homesteaders, small diversified farms, and hobbyists who have some outdoor space and want a project that is more involved than chickens but still manageable on a small scale.

Getting started

Before you buy birds, check your city or county rules and any zoning or homeowners association limits on the number and type of poultry you may keep. Plan for a real time commitment, since turkeys need daily feeding, watering, and observation, plus extra attention to young poults during their first several weeks. Most beginners start with day-old poults from a reputable hatchery or a local breeder, and some choose started birds that are past the most delicate stage. It also helps to introduce yourself to your local Cooperative Extension office early, as they can share region-specific guidance on getting started.

Housing & protection

Turkeys need a dry, draft-free shelter that keeps them out of wind, rain, and snow while allowing good airflow near the roof to reduce moisture buildup. Young poults require a warm, clean brooder area with a reliable heat source and gradually less heat as they feather out and grow. Provide sturdy roosts and enough floor space so birds are not crowded, and use dry bedding that you keep clean and replace as needed. Because turkeys are large and appealing to many predators, secure fencing and a lockable coop or covered run are important, and hardware cloth over openings helps keep out both climbing and digging animals.

Feeding & water

Turkeys are typically fed a commercial poultry starter formulated for their needs early on, then transitioned to grower and maintenance rations appropriate to their age and stage. Always keep clean, fresh water available, since turkeys drink a good deal and can suffer quickly without it. Many small farms also give birds access to pasture or a safe outdoor run where they can forage on grass and insects, which can supplement but not replace a balanced feed. When you have questions about the right ration or any feeding concern, your local Cooperative Extension and a licensed veterinarian are the best sources of tailored advice.

Space & daily care

Turkeys are larger than chickens and need more room both indoors and out, so plan generous coop floor space and a roomy run or pasture area to keep birds comfortable and reduce stress. Daily care means checking and refilling clean water, offering feed, gathering any eggs, and looking over the flock for anything out of the ordinary. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times and checked more than once a day in hot weather.

Common breeds & types

• Broad Breasted White
• Broad Breasted Bronze
• Bourbon Red
• Narragansett
• Standard Bronze
• Royal Palm
• Blue Slate
• Beltsville Small White

Things to consider

Budget for startup costs such as a brooder setup, feeders and waterers, secure housing, and predator-proof fencing, along with ongoing feed and bedding expenses. Common challenges for beginners include keeping young poults warm and dry, protecting birds from predators, and managing space so a growing flock does not become crowded. For anything involving health, disease, biosecurity, or signs that a bird is unwell, work with a licensed veterinarian rather than trying to self-diagnose or self-treat. Your local Cooperative Extension office is also a valuable partner for region-specific advice, and for understanding any permits, sales rules, or regulations that apply where you live.

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Page updated Aug 4, 2026.